MORGANTOWN — Broadcaster Jaime Williams has set up camp in a tent at Kendrick Family Ballpark with a mission: to raise $15,000 for local homeless pets. Known to her listeners as “Jaime from WBAQ,” she is hosting the fourth annual “Camping for Canines” fundraiser benefiting Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia, a no-kill shelter located on Brewer Road.
Williams will remain in the tent until the fundraising goal is met, stating, “I camp out in a tent, and I have somebody stay with me. It’s a good time — a hot time — and 100% of the money goes to Animal Friends.” Each year, she selects a high-traffic location for the event, having previously camped outside shopping centers and other busy areas. This year’s choice coincides with the ballpark’s “Bark in the Park” promotion, which attracts dog lovers and helps raise awareness for the fundraiser.
So far, Williams has raised $8,014 toward her goal, with the ballpark contributing $2,000 from ticket sales. Throughout the event, staff from Animal Friends will be on-site, showcasing adoptable dogs and cats, allowing visitors to interact with the animals and even submit adoption applications.
Addressing a Growing Need
As the demand for services has increased, the shelter focuses on expanding its facilities. Williams notes that the need has become urgent due to a rise in pet surrenders and a decrease in adoptions. “That equation equals so many pets,” she explained. “Animal Friends is a no-kill shelter, so they get a lot of animals. All of that takes funding and space.”
The organization provides critical services within the community, stepping in when pet owners pass away, when animals are abandoned, or when injured strays require expensive veterinary care. Williams emphasized the importance of their work, saying, “When you find an injured dog and maybe you don’t have the means to take care of it, what do you do? Animal Friends comes in and they pay the veterinary costs. But all of that takes funding.”
For Williams, this cause is deeply personal. She adopted her own dog and describes the experience as transformative. “She is just the light of my life,” she shared. “These pets are really deserving of a good home.”
Throughout the week, Williams is broadcasting live from her tent, sharing updates on the fundraising total and recognizing event sponsors, including Huntington Bank and Primo Signs. To ensure her safety during the event, Williams is never alone; she is accompanied by friends, family, or volunteers from Animal Friends.
Engaging the Community
Williams hopes to reach the $15,000 mark quickly but is prepared to extend her stay through the weekend if necessary. “I’d like to go home to my kids, my husband, and my own dog,” she said. “But Animal Friends does such an important service for our community. They’re truly deserving of this money.”
Community members can contribute in several ways. Donations are accepted in person at the ballpark, via Venmo at @AFNCWV, or through PayPal at @AnimalFriendsNCWV. Both cash and checks are welcome on-site.
One of Williams’ goals is to spark curiosity among passersby. “That’s what I want. I want people to be nosy and be like, ‘What’s going on? Why is she doing this?’” she encouraged. “And then come talk to me about it.” Through her efforts, Williams aims to not only raise funds but also to promote awareness about the importance of pet adoption and support for local animal shelters.
